Maca Root Benefits and Side Effects
Maca Root benefits and side effects have gained a good bit of popularity as of recent years. Many big brand supplements, including the ones on my top male enhancers list, tend to include it as an ingredient. So does that mean it truly is a viable sexual health ingredient when it comes to natural solutions? Was Ashton Kutcher’s casting as Charlie Hopper in Two and a Half Men most certainly a terrible idea? Yes, yes indeed. I’m saying that YES, Maca Root is legit and works and all that good stuff. It isn’t just some fluff ingredient, the stuff really does work and there is a lot of science backing it. We link to sources below, because yeah, science, that stuff sure matters.
Maca is a plant found native to Peru and is usually in a powder form or supplement. This plant is commonly known for enhancing fertility and sex drive but also improves stamina and energy. This awesome plant is very popular in health supplements, and as it should be. Its properties are known to increase all the things men and woman want, especially when your body starts to lose testosterone with age. If you find yourself with little energy or are in need of some extra kick in the bedroom then this product can very easily help you. In this review ill do my best to give you the best and most useful information on maca root so you can decide for yourself if this ingredient or product is right for you.
What is Maca Root?
(((boring alert)))) Scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii the maca root grows around central Peru in the Andes. (((end alert))) Scientific names, they really are super boring stuff, but that’s just part of the process in learning more about supplement ingredients that can help us. But you know what isn’t boring? Where these things grow. Not boring at all…..The conditions where Maca Root is grown are harsh and at altitudes of upwards of 13,000 feet. Maca is part of the cruciferous vegetables which means its related to Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and kale and has a history of medicinal, and culinary use around Peru (1)
The edible part of Maca is the root. It grows underground and is dried and commonly used in powder form, but you can also find it as a liquid extract or in capsule form. It has a real earthy and nutty taste, which is why its most popularly mixed with sweet treats, smoothies, or oatmeal.
The Benefits Of Maca Root
- It’s High in Nutrition
- In 28 grams of Maca Root powder it contains
- 1 gram of fat
- 4 grams of protein
- 20 grams of Carbs
- 91 calories
- Copper: 85% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 133% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6:15% of the RDI
- Potassium: 16% of the RDI
- Iron: 23% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Increases Libido in both Men and Woman
Maca is marketed as being a central ingredient that improves sexual desire, and it being a natural plant is always an excellent plus. Research has even shown that this plant does wonders for both Men and women in the bedroom. (2)
- Increases Fertility in Men
- Its said to help Relieve symptoms of Menopause
- Maca Root Improves your Mood
- Boosts Performance in Sports and Energy
- Maca can be used to protect yourself from the sun
- It can Improve Brain Function
In Peru, they use Maca to improve children’s school performance
Using Maca Root
Maca can be very easy to work into a diet. You can take maca as a supplement or add it to oatmeal, smoothies, energy bars, baked goods and more. Even though the dose for medicinal use hasn’t been established yet the dose most commonly used in studies ranges from 1.5 to 5 grams a day. Look, who doesn’t love oatmeal? This is just too easy, really.
Maca can be found in grocery stores and online retailers. Its available in powder form, liquid extract, or 500 mg capsules
Maca Root Side Effects and Safety
Maca Root is, for the most part, a safe. The Natives of Peru believe that if you consume fresh maca root you may face unwanted health effects so they recommend you boil it first.
If you have a history of thyroid problems you should be careful with Maca. The root contains goitrogens. This is a substance that may counteract the normal functions of your thyroid gland. The higher risk is in those who already have pre-existing thyroid problems.
If you’re a woman that is pregnant or currently breastfeeding you should talk with your doctor before using maca.
Conclusion
There are many Maca Root benefits and side effects. Maca Root is obviously a powerful ingredient and is used for lots of different reasons. It provides a plethora of health benefits such as a libido increaser and mood booster. The side effects are minimal and the results of the plant outweigh the negative aspects if there are any for you at all. I hope this product and or ingredient review was helpful you and thanks for reading!